Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

Jeffrey Energy Center, KS

This advanced third cycle individual has been present at Jeffrey Energy Center in northeast Kansas for at least two days. Brandon Magette discovered this bird on the 21st among adult Herring Gulls. In this photograph, you can see the length, broadness and the molting axillary feathers of the bird's wings as it takes flight. Great Black-backed Gulls are the world's largest gulls and they take at least four years to acquire their alternate (breeding) plumage. The duskiness of this bird's tail and bill are features that indicate it has not reached adulthood.